“It’s over Shiri, are you hurt?”
She shook her head, holding back tears.
“I thought the Q’Herindam Mage was going to kill you. I was so worried. The King had something planned for me afterwards but I would have used magic to obliterate the Keep rather than succumb to him.”
Arwhon knew she would have too. Shiri was made of stern stuff.
“Arwhon. There is something you should know. Old King Rickard isn’t dead. He’s up here too. They’re keeping him prisoner because he won’t reveal where the crown jewels are hidden. Jerome wants them so badly. They poisoned Rickard, Jerome and his mother, so Jerome could become King. Rickard’s really sick and my healing spell won’t work. I think the Q’Herindam Mage used some form of magic on him.”
“Lead me to him Shiri; I’ve so much more magic available now. I may be able to help him.”
Cringle couldn’t help himself and blurted out.
“Arwhon grew his finger back after the Mage chopped it off,” he announced proudly.
Shiri looked at Cringle and then back at Arwhon.
“How much more pain are you going to have to endure before this is all over?”
Arwhon shrugged.
“Whatever it takes to rid the lands of evil, Shiri. Now lead on.”
Shiri moved to the far end of the room and opened another concealed door. She passed through, Arwhon following. There, against the far wall, beside a tiny slit window, a narrow cot held an emaciated occupant.
Arwhon made a globe of light appear and hang in the air as the pair crossed the room to kneel beside the bed. Arwhon took the wrinkled, gnarled hand lying on top of the blanket in his own, which elicited a low moan from the shape huddled under the covering.
“No more. Please, no more. I’ll tell where the Crown Jewels are hidden. Please, stop the torture.”
“King Rickard, you’re safe now. We’ve come to help.”
The old King’s head swivelled toward them and Arwhon recoiled from the sight. He had been blinded and tortured with hot knives. Rickard’s face was scarred beyond belief but still he clung tenuously to life.
Arwhon talked to him quietly.
“Your Majesty, I’m about to work magic on you to try to heal you. Please lie still, whatever you feel. There will be no pain, I promise but the work will take a little while.”
The only response was a prolonged groan.
While Shiri looked on, Arwhon started. He found evil Q’Herindam magic lodged in the old King’s body and wrapping it in protective spells, drew it out and obliterated it with Firemagic. Rickard sighed and relaxed slightly, his limbs becoming less contorted. Next, Arwhon drew Power and blocked all pain before infusing energy into the ravaged body before him. The King appeared better already as his colour returned. Arwhon thought hard and muttered the regeneration spell as he concentrated. Swirls of cold fire appeared under the King’s brow where his eyes used to be. The blackened cavities filled out and both he and Shiri could see the process of regeneration as eyelids grew and eventually opened to reveal a steady gaze from soft brown eyes.
King Rickard shuddered and made to get up.
“Not yet your Majesty, there is still more to do.”
Arwhon sent new spells through Rickard’s body to root out the poison the old King had been given and effect repairs to all of his damaged organs. It took some time before Arwhon was sure of the progress and infused yet more energy into the spells he was using. Before their eyes, the King’s bony hand began to grow firm and lose its wrinkled appearance, as did his face and no doubt the rest of his body under the filthy, thin blanket. Now the King’s hand was strong and warm and Arwhon looked up to find those brown eyes steadily regarding him. In a firm voice, Rickard spoke.
“I don’t know who you are and I must admit I’ve been suspicious of magic in the past, but you’ve done more for me than I could ever repay. Name any reward you wish.”
“I am Arwhon nari Tsalk, this is my betrothed, Sihron’del from the Darkwood and this man here is Cringle, my Servant. We don’t seek reward your Majesty, only to keep evil from the lands. Jerome was seduced by an offer of power from a Q’Herindam Mage and was too weak to resist it. The Mage is dead now and Jerome is on the next level down with my brother watching over him. It’s time for you to take back Myseline and rule it wisely, allowing no room for evil to creep in.”
Arwhon stood back as the King swung his legs over the side of the cot and rose smoothly to his feet, stretching his arms and back, before striding purposefully toward the door, still dressed in a stained and filthy nightshirt. Arwhon and Shiri hurried to keep up.
Jerome was sitting on his bed where Arwhon left him, unmoving. Staril stood over him, on guard, both watching the fire sprites dancing on the bedcovers when King Rickard came through the doorway into the bedchamber. Jerome gave a cry of despair and cowered away from what he thought was a ghost. As Arwhon released the fire sprites, Rickard grabbed Jerome by the upper arm and hauled him easily out of bed, shaking him violently before setting him on his feet.
“You traitorous young pup. You nearly got away with it if it wasn’t for Arwhon here. I’m taking back the Kingdom and you and your mother will go to trial. I want to know the names of all the conspirators in your duplicity. You’ll sit down and write them out before the sun rises. It’s time to right wrongs.”
The King turned to Staril as Staril handed Arwhon back his sword.
“Your name Sir?”
Staril nari Tsalk, Sire.”
The King looked at both brothers closely.
“Why are his eyes different? Do you have the same parents?”
Staril couldn’t answer, only now seeing Arwhon’s eyes clearly for the first time, a puzzled expression crossing his face. It was Arwhon who answered.
“Sire, my eyes are a gift from the Darkwood. Staril is the elder and is a Trader in Trugor. Jerome had him arrested as bait for me. The Q’Herindam Mage wanted the Ring I wear. It killed him.”
The old King stood thinking for a moment.
“Are you a good Trader Staril?”
Staril hesitated but Arwhon spoke up.
“He’s very good Sire.”
“Excellent. Then you will come here to Encarill and manage all the Trade for the city. I’ll have need of good and honest men in my new court. Do you have someone you trust to manage your business in Trugor?”
All Staril could do was nod dumbly. What an honour. The King’s own Trader. Polnari would be thrilled to be at Court.
“Good. That’s settled then. Arwhon, Shiri and Cringle. I find myself short of loyal retainers at the moment, would you guard me while I go about taking up the reins of authority again?”
They were only too happy to oblige and waited while the King used Jerome’s bathing area to wash before dressing in some clean, regal looking clothing. They took Jerome with them to arrest his mother and the pair were then escorted to the dungeons under the watchful eye of the rightful King.
As the sun rose at daybreak, a reinvigorated King Rickard took over Keep and castle to assume his role as King of Encarill. Most of the palace staff soon made it clear they were relieved their rightful King was again on the throne. Later in the morning, his most trustworthy soldiers, verified by the Ring on Arwhon’s finger, took the list of traitors Jerome had written out and made a series of arrests across the city.
The Kingdom was safe again.
Arwhon then took Cringle to one side.
“You’re probably tired by now but you’d better get the horses, as only you know the clearing you left them in. They’re fine but Duran is thirsty and they’ve run out of grass. I’ll keep an eye on things here until you return. Shiri and I will be safe, so don’t hurry.”
When the news of King Rickard’s healing and his return to the throne spread like wildfire throughout the city, there was rejoicing in the streets. Truth be told, very few of the populace liked Jerome and hearing of the return of King Rickard, applauded the arrest of Jerome’s cronies. The gloom and
doom in Encarill seemed to disappear overnight, even the buildings appeared brighter.
Staril was given an escort of six cavalrymen to travel to Trugor and break the news to Polnari about his promotion to the post of King’s Trader. He was asked personally by the King to hurry back, so Staril knew, upon reaching Trugor, he would have to be quick about making arrangements to travel back to Encarill with Polnari, leaving Trader Brandel in charge of the Trading business there.
Before Staril left, Arwhon spent a few hours with his brother, reacquainting themselves. Staril was introduced to Krissi, who, sensing the bond of family, made a careful investigation of Staril. Staril found it unnerving to have a legendary beast the size of a small horse pay him such close attention and Krissi picked up on it, relaying the feeling to Arwhon who laughingly told Staril to relax. His brother was amazed at the ease with which Arwhon communicated with Krissi and he resolved to put on a braver face around the gryffon.
Once Staril had departed, King Rickard invited Arwhon, Shiri and Cringle to be his guests at the castle until Staril returned to Encarill to take up his position. The three of them were feted throughout the capital as the rescuers of Myseline but Arwhon tried to keep a low profile. Fame did not sit well with him.
Imagine Arwhon’s delight when he found Jalwynd was tied up in port and due to leave for Belvedere soon. It was so fortuitous. Maybe Fate had a hand in it. He, Shiri and Cringle went down to the port to spend time with good Captain Belmar before Jalwynd sailed. They were shown to the Captain’s cabin where he sat with his feet up on the table smoking tabac and drinking mead spirits. He gestured for them to sit with him.
“Your Grandmother’s a wicked woman.” He said as he smiled at Arwhon’s bemusement. “She started me off on this mead spirit and gave me a couple o’ crates o’ th’ stuff. Now I can’t leave it alone and will have to go back for more. Mebe that was th’ plan.”
He laughed, and they relaxed as the Captain poured them each a glass from his decanter. They sat together companionably as Arwhon recounted his and Shiri’s latest adventures, praising Cringle’s part in his rescue. Suddenly the ship started to shimmy and the surface of the mead in their glasses rippled.
Suspecting treachery, Arwhon raced up on deck in time to see small waves wash all over the harbour and a wall topple over as Jalwynd gave one final lurch then settled back into the bosom of the water. The others came up on deck.
“Only an earthquake Arwhon. Good un too. Don’t often get ‘em in Encarill,” opined Captain Belmar while looking about to see if any other damage had been done. Satisfied everything was shipshape, he continued, “Almost time for Jalwynd t’ leave Arwhon, so if you’ve a letter for yer Grandmother, I’ll need it in th’ next day or so. More mead anyone?”
Arwhon declined. This might not have been a natural earthquake and he would need his wits about him from now on.
It had become obvious the Q’Herindam had not given up on their quest to rid the world of Man.
9. Haven Speaks.
The two of them climbed higher up a spiralling walkway, Ssarista in the lead with the giant Kuiran close behind her. He looked down often at the smaller and smaller-seeming Sealie folk, walking around in the Gathering Place far below and couldn’t help but notice how flimsy their walkway appeared. It was almost transparent and although there was no movement in it, the whole affair didn’t appear nearly strong enough to bear his weight. They were exceedingly high up now, near the top of the tallest tower and Kuiran was becoming concerned.
“Has a walkway ever collapsed?” Kuiran asked, trying to appear casual. Ssarista laughed, an attractive low thrumming sound, and looked back at him.
“Be not worried, Kuiran. The walkways are very strong and have never given way. Rest easy, we will be with the Eldest shortly.”
Ssarista was correct, as they soon came to the end of the walkway and entered into an arch at the top of the tower. Ssarista halted.
“The Eldest knew we were coming of course but we need to wait until she finishes her meditation before the door is opened to us.”
They weren’t waiting long before Kuiran felt a little tingle course through his body and Ssarista informed him the way was clear. Together they proceeded into the Chamber of the Elder with Ssarista in the lead. She stopped in front of an aged lady with white hair, dressed in brightly coloured silks with many servants in attendance standing to both sides. The Eldest gestured and two of the servants scurried off quickly, disappearing further back into the building.
Ssarista bowed low and Kuiran, following her example, bowed low as well. The old lady smiled at this display of courtesy before her face took on a more serious expression.
“Ssarista. It is aways a pleasure to see you. You come before us so rarely but why have you allowed the intrusion into our world of one of the race of Man? You know the penalty for bringing one such as he to Haven.”
Ssarista stood quietly for a moment gathering her thoughts as she held the Eldest’s gaze with her own before speaking.
“As you know Eldest, I spend much time in the world of Man watching for the evil of the Q’Herindam. It has been growing of late, spreading throughout the lands in subtle and more aggressive ways. Q’Herindam Mages have insinuated themselves into various positions in the Courts of those in power, including Wyalon and found crooked allies who spread their evil to try to destroy Man. The Ring of Durhain has been found and it has chosen a young Man to fight for Truth and root out evil wherever it may be discovered. We could ignore the spread of Q’Herindam evil and sit here in Haven forever but eventually, Man would be wiped out, including those on Wyalon related to us. The Q’Herindam may not stop with just Man. We could be next.”
The old lady drew herself up in her seat and waited while a servant came with refreshments, placing them on a small table while another servant brought two seats.
“Sit, drink and eat while we talk.” She gestured to another servant. “Bring a bench for the large Man to sit on.”
The servant scurried off and returned a moment later with a more substantial seat for Kuiran. They sat at the table and Ssarista passed Kuiran food and drink. It seemed very insubstantial to him but he soon discovered it was both tasty and filling. The Eldest, seeing her guests were provided for, continued.
“You have told me nothing I don’t already know, Ssarista. I want you to tell me why you have brought a Man to Haven.”
Ssarista placed her cup on the table and looked up to the Eldest, who was now leaning forward, expectantly, waiting for the reply which Kuiran realised might seal their fates.
“This Man, Kuiran, was set onto the seas as a babe, shut into a warded chest which carried him to the M’Herindar of the Darkwood. It was done to escape the Council of Mages who were influenced by the Q’Herindam to murder the children of those in charge of Wyalon. Our descendants. I was tasked by his parents to keep an eye on him whenever he was near the sea. Kuiran was raised as a M’Herindar and when he came of age he was ordered by their Wise Ones to be a bodyguard for the Ring Bearer. They foresaw a future in which Kuiran was to play a large part in freeing the lands from the Q’Herindam. He’s already saved the Ring Bearer’s life and helped defend the city of Belvedere against the Dominion. I also helped in that war as much as I could. The problem is this. Kuiran’s Watermagic has been awakened but the learning of it is very slow. Soon, I feel, he will have need of it to once again protect the Ring Bearer in the fight against Q’Herindam evil.”
Ssarista paused to take a sip of her drink and the Elder shifted in her chair, a puzzled expression on her face.
“But why is he here?” she demanded.
“Eldest. We need him to learn Watermagic and quickly. We’re running out of time and if we don’t act soon, the Ring Bearer may be overcome by dark forces. I brought this Man, who has the honour of the M’Herindar and the heritage of his parents, two of our kin on Wyalon, to be given your gift of Watermagic. If you would bestow the learning on him, he could travel back to Belvedere and assist the Ring Bea
rer in overthrowing the Q’Herindam trouble makers.”
The Eldest sat back in her seat, rearranging her robes as she contemplated the request Ssarista had made. It was a difficult decision for her to make and one not made lightly.
“You want me to ignore the Law regarding bringing one of the race of Man to Haven and gift him more Watermagic than most others of the Sealie possess. How do you think they will feel about that?”
“Eldest. A lot of the Sealie who swim the oceans know of my work to assist the race of Man and approve. Many helped me remove the threat of the Draakon Reavers at Belvedere and quite a few who are now in Haven also assisted in removing the evil of the Council of Mages from Wyalon when Kuiran first arrived there. They know of him and the responsibility given to him by the M’Herindar Wise Ones. Among these Sealie, I can imagine only approval not opposition.”
The Eldest sat wrapped in her thoughts for a moment or two before replying.
“There will have to be a vote by all the Sealie presently in Haven. If a majority of our people think he should be given the art of Watermagic by me, it shall be so. The vote will take place the day after tomorrow. If there is no majority, Ssarista, you will be banned from Haven for ever and I will wipe all memory of it from this Man’s mind before he is returned to the land. That is my ruling.”
Ssarista, sensing the interview was over, stood. Kuiran followed suit and bowed as Ssarista did before following her out of the portal.
“That went well,” Ssarista commented as they walked down the elegant curving ramp toward the Gathering Place below.
Kuiran was amazed. “Well? I thought she was going to deny us.”
“The Eldest could have ordered us both executed if she’d wished. Or banished me and mind-wiped you. I think we did rather well and she’s given us a day’s grace to rally support for the idea. Don’t worry Kuiran, one way or another we’ll get you your Watermagic.”
The Q'Herindam Page 18